We mentioned a little while back that Grey Ghost Gear was established as a clearing house for tactical gear. It hasn’t taken long for them to move past that, and start getting their own label on items, while still keeping prices low. Take a look at the new GGG lightweight assault packs, we did, and after a month of using the one shown below we figured we tell you a little about it.
Click the picture for info, lots of pictures, talk about guns, and why I picked up two of these …
Last month Midwest Industries released their second generation carbine handguard, the MI-17. The sibling midlength version has now hit the shelves, and we’ve had a chance to use them for a little while. These are a light weight (9.7 oz) two piece drop in handguard that require no tools and install the same way you install standard polymer handguards. They are a standard 9″ length, (so they fit the midlength gas system) 2.3″ wide and 2.43″ tall. Lock up is tight; though you can get a little movement if you crank side to side on a VFG, which is normal for a non- free floating rail. With a street price of around $140, these give a lot of bank for the buck and are made here in the USA.
Click the picture for more information, and loads of images.
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During SHOT Show 2011, we spoke with Troy Storch of Midwest Industries and got a look at their new AR15 carbine rail. The second generation MI-17 is CNC machined from 6061 aircraft grade lightweight aluminum, and hard coat anodized. The “T” markings are laser engraved for those people who are compulsive and need to know the proper place for everything. More importantly, these are as simple to install as a set of plastic M4 handguards. I tried a variety of devices to the rails, and there were no tight spots or items that would not fit. This model is the second generation, and is designed to fit piston models to include Stag Arms, CMMG, Adams Arms, Ares, Smith & Wesson, and LWRC model piston AR15s. Front and rear QD sling mount sockets are standard on each side, and the sockets are anti-rotation. While this is not a free floating rail, its lockup is nice and tight, and its weight of 7.5 ounces qualifies it for a super light weight rail system. To get a “better” rail, you are going to pay a lot more for something you may or may not need.
A quick check of some of the larger players in the AR15 accessory market showed the MI-17 rail to be priced around $125. The MI-17 rail ends up being a reasonably priced, high quality component that I have no problems recommending to fellow cops for a duty weapon, or for friends who are looking to drop a rail onto their AR15 carbines.
During SHOT Show we showed you a sneak preview of the new AR15 lower receiver that Noveske Rifleworks is releasing. The Flared Forged Lower (FFL) is pretty straight forward. It is a forged lower receiver that has a massive flared magazine well, and integral trigger guard. The machine work is as good or better than any lower I’ve seen, but instead of me telling you about it, check out the pictures, there should be enough to make almost anyone happy.
Noveske Shooting Team member Jansen Jones has said that these will be standard on the Noveske Shooting Team Rifle, which is due to be released in two weeks. They will eventually become standard on most of the Noveske lineup of weapons, with the exception being the Rogue Hunter and N4. Once there are enough of the Noveske Flared Forged Lower machined to take care of the factory built weapons, the Noveske FFL will become available as a stand along component somewhere in the low to mid $200 range. Speaking of the Noveske Shooting Team, they also have a 3 gun instructional video that has just been released. What little I’ve seen of it has been good, check out their website for more info.
Knights Armament and Jerry Barnhart have teamed together to break tradition, and move in a new direction. While at the KAC booth we noticed a new Aimpoint T-1 mount. This new mount breaks the concept of being able to see your iron sights through your optic, and replaces that with a more “heads up” approach. For anyone who has spent time in a mask, you know how well a traditional cheekweld works. This should prove to aid in this, with the additional benefit of giving a little better situational awareness by not being cramped down on the weapon. This isn’t going to replace anything for distance shooting, but for guys who are kicking in doors and doing raids, I would expect to see more of this style item in the future.
What else does “The Burner” bring to the table with Knights? I’m not sure, I know that a pair of offset sights were built to complement this T-1 (look for pictures soon), but with the abilities that Jerry Barnhart brings with shooting, I’m sure it’s going to get interesting quickly.
I admit I’ve been holding out on all of you. I saw a rough prototype of this stock last year, but held off as I wasn’t sure if this was actually going to be a production item. Now I feel bad, or at least if I had a heart I would feel bad. The EFX-A1 from M.A.G.S LLC is a drop in replacement for the M16 (M16A2/M16A3/ M16A4), and gives an A1 stock length with an improved cheekweld.
EFX-A1 translates to Enhanced Fixed Stock, with the “A1″ referring to the overall length. For people who may not have handled earlier model M16 & M16A1s, the length of the stock was a little shorter, which made it more comfortable to shoot for many people. With the advent of modern body armor and plates, I can say that I’m stunned the A2 stock is still in use as I know its too long for me, and its a complaint that has been around for quite awhile from others.
The sloping cheek welds are heavily reminiscent of the SOPMOD carbine stock, which isn’t a bad thing as use of the EFX-A1 is comfortable, and the cheek to stock weld is a solid improvement. What the EFX-A1 doesn’t have is the waterproof battery tubes of the SOPMOD carbine stock. The EFX-A1 does not have tubes of any kind, and instead provides a storage compartment on the underneath of the stock. The larger storage compartment of the EFX-A1 allows for much larger items to be carried, but batteries will probably need to be wrapped to prevent rattle. A bore snake, ear plugs, or small tools will also fit, and its a nice option to have.
Sling mounting options are found all over the stock, and standard webbing or Quick Disconnect (QD) slings will be equally at home. The back end of the stock is heavily textured for a non-slip grip against nylon webgear, plate carriers, jackets, and overall inclement weather. The thick rubber also protects the EFX-A1 when slamming the stock into the ground for times when you may need to “mortar” the weapon to clear a stuck shell casing. The stock also has a clubbed style design which give shooters something to grab onto, which will be a big plus in the minds of some.
Wilson Combat has gone with a slightly different sling mount than what we’ve seen before. They have taken a quick detach (QD) socket, and put it on a low profile offset to minimize the space it takes up on a 1913 rail. The offset can be mounted either way to assist in how your carbine or rifle hangs from the sling. Additionally, it can be mounted on side or top rails to help free up space. We did note that our sample was not anti-rotational, which may or may not be of interest to you.
Wilson Combat has a new trigger guard out, and we were able to check it out along with a few of the other Wilson Combat items you’ve recently seen on Gear Scout. What does this trigger guard do that a stock unit does not? First, it extends the arch of the trigger guard for more room while shooting with gloves. Secondly, it covers the exposed gap that eats at your index finger if you aren’t wearing gloves. If nothing else, the billet aluminum piece looks good, and for under $20 it lets your carbine stand out a bit .
We have previously reviewed the Wilson Combat TTU, and after dropping the hammer 10,000 times, we were able to state that it was a trigger that both felt good, and was durable. The biggest issue that Wilson Combat faced was while everyone wants a clean trigger, not everyone wants one which is light weight. Enter the new Wilson Combat TTU MIL/LE 5 – 5 3/4lb. With a 5 to 5-3/4lb single stage trigger pull, it addresses this issue. Taking the trigger and giving it a heavier trigger pull may seem like folly to some people, but to others it creates a trigger pack which is much more usable. I guess the next question is how long it will take Wilson Combat to develop a drop in M16 trigger pack, they seem to have the rest of their bases already covered.
Click the picture for additional images and information.
Wilson Combat recently released their flash hider. It is a three prong flash suppressor which Wilson Combat states has “accurizing flutes that improve muzzle harmonics over other blast dispersing brakes”. While we haven’t been able to test muzzle harmonics, we can say that it is a well machined item with clean lines and no uneven or rough spots. This unit threads onto standard AR15/ M4 barrels (1/2″-28), and is made of 4140 steel with a parkerized finish. MSRP is $49.95.
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